Amherst train show, West Springfield, Ma Jan 28, 29

I'm planning on going......weather-permitting. Hoping to meet many of my fellow forum members and pick up some items from Scenic Express.

I plan on heading there. Going to aim for Saturday.

Were going to have 4 feet of snow in New England that weekend.

@eddie g posted:

Were going to have 4 feet of snow in New England that weekend.

That wouldn't surprise me at all...........but it would keep me at home.

@eddie g posted:

Were going to have 4 feet of snow in New England that weekend.

Bite you’re tongue

I'll be there. It is my favorite day of the year (Saturday).

As for last year, I really enjoyed it. I got to park really close because the lots were nearly empty when it opened in the morning. The drive over from Albany was very slow (and careful) but the roads were nearly deserted so it wasn't bad at all. And being parked close was good because I just got into O scale last year and I didn't realize that carrying around lots of O scale trains was a lot of work! (Most of my previous HO purchases fit in a shopping bag... not so with O!)

Great show for layout builders, scenery, structures, tools, etc. Not so great for O scale trains. Absence of Charles Ro is a big loss.

Pete

I think the only time I ever purchased rolling stock was the one year Kirk was there with Just Trains. I generally shop for detail items or layout supplies.

For those into O scale details.  Check out Crow River Products and back after many years with new owners. Berkshire Valley.

I’m hoping to attend this year since I’ve been getting more into railroads up that way. Hope the weather cooperates.

I'll once again tip my cap to the meet's organizers: This show is held on the weekend after the last NFL playoff game and the weekend before the Super Bowl.  There's nothing else going on and it's a great show.  It's not York but rather serves all scales.  While I do make some purchases, I mostly go for scenery ideas.  If you live within 3-4 hours (and this includes much of metro NYC), you should go.  25,000 attendees can't be wrong...

I will be there on Saturday.

Steven J. Serenska

I talked to the guys at Charles Ro a few weeks ago in person and they said they were going.

@Norton posted:

Great show for layout builders, scenery, structures, tools, etc. Not so great for O scale trains. Absence of Charles Ro is a big loss.

Pete

Mr. Muffins showed up one year but CharlesRO was beating his prices by about 10% and Muffins hasn't been back since.  Every year I send Steve a email, stating we would love him back.  B&F hobbies hopefully will show up and Grzyboski's is always there but agreed Charles Ro is a big loss.

@87smokemetalic posted:

I talked to the guys at Charles Ro a few weeks ago in person and they said they were going.

Great if they are but they are not on the list last I looked and there old spot is taken by another vendor.

All of the seats in my car are reserved and we have a reserve list.  Hoping for good weather!!

This is the Big E show, right?

Yes - held on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA.

I'll be pre-ordering a ticket for Saturday - I think they now mail you a bracelet so you can go right in and don't have to wait in line. If so, that's a good idea.

This nice article in yesterday's Boston Globe:

"America’s largest railroad hobby show returns to West Springfield

Nearly 350 exhibitors will be convening for the fair, which will run from Jan. 28-29

ByMaya Homan Globe Correspondent,Updated December 22, 2022, 1:05 p.m.

@superwarp1 posted:

Mr. Muffins showed up one year but CharlesRO was beating his prices by about 10% and Muffins hasn't been back since.  Every year I send Steve a email, stating we would love him back.  B&F hobbies hopefully will show up and Grzyboski's is always there but agreed Charles Ro is a big loss.

I have purchased from B&F but don’t think they were there last time I was there a couple of years ago (2020??).

Pete

@Richie C. you are correct. They mail you your bracelet in advanced if you pre-order, which is great instead of standing in line!

@Norton posted:

I have purchased from B&F but don’t think they were there last time I was there a couple of years ago (2020??).

Pete

They haven't been there in like four years or more.  They keep paying for a booth but never show.  I think Frank has had health issues in the past but I'm hoping they show.

Frank is still kicking and well I visit him frequently he’s also planning to go. He was going to go to York but his knee was bothering him.

Size of show?

I went to York for the first time this fall.  I use to live in Wisconsin so went to Trainfest many times.  Realize this show is more like Trainfest, covering Model Railroading in general.  Surprised they say it is the largest, thought Trainfest was.

Can anyone let me know how this does compare in size.  If weather is OK will probably go, it is half the distance York was for me.  Thanks.

@MainLine Steam posted:

Size of show?

I went to York for the first time this fall.  I use to live in Wisconsin so went to Trainfest many times.  Realize this show is more like Trainfest, covering Model Railroading in general.  Surprised they say it is the largest, thought Trainfest was.

Can anyone let me know how this does compare in size.  If weather is OK will probably go, it is half the distance York was for me.  Thanks.

I posted everything up above that should answer your questions.  Link to the show website, layout of the four buildings, and a list of everyone attending.  Can't comment of Trainfest, but if the weather is good and it's well attended, it takes me a good 6 hours to go through it all.

Thanks Gary!

Gary:

Will be going Saturday with my East Coast Enterprises buddies - Rich, Stan and Geoff. Have our arm bands already. Here's hoping for no snowstorm this year!

Pat

@87smokemetalic posted:

I talked to the guys at Charles Ro a few weeks ago in person and they said they were going.

That would be great, but currently, they are not on the list.

Pat

Just over a half hour from home, so I always go on Saturday and sometimes go back on Sunday. For me it's the many layouts and the broad appeal of model trains in general with every scale represented. If you like model railroading, you'll like the show. It's a fun day and while I don't go with the intention of buying as I do at York (different kind of show), I have never come home empty handed.

Cant wait  Love this show  The food at Memo's for breakfast and Cal's for dinner always looking forward to it

I'll be there a great show!! Surprised Scenic Express is coming east.

@dk122trains posted:

I'll be there a great show!! Surprised Scenic Express is coming east.

Don:

Agree that was great news. Jim and his team have been sorely missed at York. I'm planning to buy a bunch of stuff from them at the Show.

Pat

I plan to be there on Saturday.  I didn’t make it last year due to the weather, so really looking forward to getting back to this great show!

@bluelinec4 posted:

Cant wait  Love this show  The food at Memo's for breakfast and Cal's for dinner always looking forward to it

I've always wanted to try Cal's, will have to take the wife but post show it's always Red Rose for me.

I will be there. Cant Wait!

@superwarp1 posted:

I've always wanted to try Cal's, will have to take the wife but post show it's always Red Rose for me.

Red Rose is good but its always too crowded  You have to try Cal's  its awesome   I heard that place Bernies with the Brontasaurus burgers closed

You know I’ll be there. This will be my 30th show, will probably be going both days like always.

My son and I will be there both days.   If the weather behaves.   No snow, no snow, please no snow...

What are the best places to eat for this show? We usually go to The Steaming Tender in Plamer.

@MIKATT1 posted:

What are the best places to eat for this show? We usually go to The Steaming Tender in Plamer.

That's a great place but a 40 min drive from the show.  I eat at Red Rose in Springfield,  Bluelinec4 likes Cal's down the road, I have yet to eat there.   For Breakfast I go to Partners which is 5 mins up the road, other like Memo's which is very near the show grounds.

I will be taking the weekend off from work for the show.

Should we have a meet and greet, OGR photo op?

@superwarp1 absolutely I don’t think there was one last year.

@Trainwreck nate posted:

@superwarp1 absolutely I don’t think there was one last year.

If there was, I wasn’t there, we were out of there by noon,  it was such a dud.

Love this show, something for everyone.

Don't know if it will be 50 degrees like today in Rhode Island, 10 Degrees and snow, or 40 degrees and mud everywhere. Seems like a new adventure each time. I didn't make it last year as I don't fight the snow on the roads anymore.

Regarding a photoshoot - how does 1:00 Saturday at Steve's RCS booth ( I don't think Steve will mind the extra traffic).

I'm looking for some scenery ideas and some 1:1 railroadiana. Does anyone know which building would be best for 1:1 railroad items?

I'm also hoping to check out some operating signal options for the new layout that won't break the bank and are easy to install.

This time I may stay the night and check out the show on Sunday morning.

With the last couple of years being so hard, I am mostly looking forward to seeing old and new friends.

Safe travels everyone.

Paul

I wandered over to Steve Ross's booth at noon on Saturday to see if anyone was gathering, no such luck. I hope we'll be able to form a quorum this year.Looking forward to meeting you . Mike

@PRRMike posted:

I wandered over to Steve Ross's booth at noon on Saturday to see if anyone was gathering, no such luck. I hope we'll be able to form a quorum this year.Looking forward to meeting you . Mike

We have to bring Hamm's   Willl have a better turnout

Last year the show had webcams.   Are they offering them again this year?

@Lyinel posted:

Last year the show had webcams.   Are they offering them again this year?

That was provided by virtual Railfan and they are listed as a vendor this year, so I’m sure they will be streaming it.

@superwarp1 posted:

That was provided by virtual Railfan and they are listed as a vendor this year, so I’m sure they will be streaming it.

Tks!   I’ll be looking for the link.

What is the name of the company that sells mostly tools? I remember them just inside one of the entry doors (2019 and earlier). They had a relatively large space and always seemed to be crowded.

I've scrolled through the exhibator list 3 times and just can't seem to bring their name to mind.

Thank you

Rich

@LIONEL6457 posted:

What is the name of the company that sells mostly tools? I remember them just inside one of the entry doors (2019 and earlier). They had a relatively large space and always seemed to be crowded.

I've scrolled through the exhibator list 3 times and just can't seem to bring their name to mind.

Thank you

Rich

B&B Hobby Supplies, Young building section 70, directly right after entering the main entrance.   Look at the floor plan I put a link to in my beginning post.

Both Stephie and I will be there. Our first train show in over 3 years. Once again we will be with Tim and Lynn Foley manning the Mianne Benchwork booth in the BLC. It is also their first show since pre covid. Please stop by and say hello. Should be there most of the time as I do not need to "train shop" since I have more than I need. Will however, be doing more "idea shopping" and this is an excellent show for that purpose.

Al

Got a wedding in Charleston that weekend……bummer……got to try for 2024…

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

Got a wedding in Charleston that weekend……bummer……got to try for 2024…

Peter

You keep saying that Pete, I’m beginning to wonder if you like us New Englanders

Al, I see a lot of trees in your posted layout plan. Which by the way looks great. Scenic Express is listed to be there in the BLC.

Dave,

I have a couple of trays of sedum trees that I purchase from a vendor who makes and sells them at Springfield (right near the Mianne booth). Purchased them years ago but have yet to use them. Perhaps they will get planted on this layout!

So 12-1 pm timeframe for a meet and greet in front of Ross Custom switches?

@superwarp1 posted:

So 12-1 pm timeframe for a meet and greet in front of Ross Custom switches?

Only is Steve is Supplying the Hamm's

Gary, is Ro going to be there ?

@eddie g posted:

Gary, is Ro going to be there ?

Sorry to say no.  After senior died the family has no interest in doing shows, either this one or York.

Ordered my bracelets for Saturday. Not sure if it was mentioned or not but FYI mailing tickets are going to end on 1/13 so they are able to mail them to everyone in time for the show. You can still purchase tickets at the door though.

@MIKATT1 posted:

What are the best places to eat for this show? We usually go to The Steaming Tender in Plamer.

In Chicope mass, [Weekend at] Bernies Dining Depot. We didn't go last year due to the snow. Will miss that big cut of Prime Rib!

All photos by me cause I was there!

@eddie g posted:

Were going to have 4 feet of snow in New England that weekend.

The snow calms the crowds!

All photos by me cause I was there!

Hate to say @prrhorseshoecurve  Bernies's is no more.  Closed down last year and retired.

We are now 11 days out.  @eddie g  You going????

The floor plan and list of exhibitors were updated on 1/10/23  Check out my links on page one.

https://weather.com/weather/te...54e8531#detailIndex5

There has been little snow in southern New England this  winter. Here is the weather Channel forecast for West Springfield through Sunday the 29th. No snow in the forecast until Monday the 30th and then only snow showers I  find these long range forecasts can be unreliable, but at least this one is encouraging. Hope to see you all there.

Mike

I'll be there. Has anyone received their bracelets in the mail yet?

@MattD87 posted:

I'll be there. Has anyone received their bracelets in the mail yet?

Matt:

Yes - Several weeks ago.

Pat

@irish rifle posted:

Matt:

Yes - Several weeks ago.

Pat

Thanks. I ordered on the 9th and still waiting. I have the PDF of the tickets so I'm not worried.

@PRRMike posted:

https://weather.com/weather/te...54e8531#detailIndex5

There has been little snow in southern New England this  winter. Here is the weather Channel forecast for West Springfield through Sunday the 29th. No snow in the forecast until Monday the 30th and then only snow showers I  find these long range forecasts can be unreliable, but at least this one is encouraging. Hope to see you all there.

Mike

Local stations that go that far out, say the same.  Cross your fingers.

10 Days to go.

Looking forward to seeing everyone providing it doesn’t snow again like last year.

@Captain John posted:

Looking forward to seeing everyone providing it doesn’t snow again like last year.

Weather is looking good.  Now 9 days out.

Got my bracelets. Looking forward to seeing the show!

I will be there for Saturday!!!

Are the online vendor lists and maps finalized for the show, or are there changes still to be made? I don't want to print them out twice.

Thanks.

@BenLMaggi posted:

Are the online vendor lists and maps finalized for the show, or are there changes still to be made? I don't want to print them out twice.

Thanks.

Ben:

Unlikely at this late date. I printed mine out this morning.

Pat

@Captain John posted:

Looking forward to seeing everyone providing it doesn’t snow again like last year.

Hope to see you there, John. I'm not sure which day I'll be there.

8 days out.   Weather is looking great.

This could finally be the year I make it to this show. Is it possible to buy tickets the night/day before or at the show? I don’t want to buy the tickets far in advance because weather or one of the kids getting sick could put a wrench in the plan to go.

@Hudson J1e posted:

This could finally be the year I make it to this show. Is it possible to buy tickets the night/day before or at the show? I don’t want to buy the tickets far in advance because weather or one of the kids getting sick could put a wrench in the plan to go.

Plenty of ticket booths to purchase the day of the show.  I don't do advance tickets as there's no discount so I always buy the day of the show.  As for buying the night before, I doubt it.

Thank you Gary!

Just got my bracelet in the mail for Saturday.

Thinking of staying over at the nearby Best Western on Friday night so I don't have to do the 2-hour trip from Boston both ways on the same day. Anyone have any experience with this hotel ?

Just got my bracelets for Saturday and Sunday yesterday.

Has a date, time and location for a Forumite meet and greet been determined?

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

Has a date, time and location for a Forumite meet and greet been determined?

John

I think we are aiming for 1:00 at the Ross Custom Switches Booth area for a picture. I haven't heard of a any breakfast or dinner get together - but i need to reread this thread.

Paul

See you at 1 at Ross!!!

Thanks, guys, I’ll be there!

John

Looking forward to it!

Just to add to the insanity, snow is coming at the end of the week for northeast.

https://nypost.com/2023/01/21/...o-impact-eastern-us/

Blame the forecast on Eddie G !

Gunny

10 day forecast for Springfield MA as of today has weather as partly cloudy and in upper 30s. Precipitation % under 20%. I don’t see any major storm forecast for Saturday or Sunday. I’ll pack boots and a scarf just in case.

This is going to be a long week, it’s just gunna drag to the weekend.

Last update from me.  Weather is looking great.  See everyone in front of Ross Switches 1 PM.  Two days to go.

Attending is not in the cards for me, BUT, MTH will be there!

Getting excited !! This is my first time attending!!!

@Frank Mulligan posted:

Attending is not in the cards for me, BUT, MTH will be there!

My bet it will just be Andy Edelman manning a small table next to Ross.  Which is fine as he has lots of stories to tell of the olden days under Mike Wolf   He did the same last year but shared space with Steve Ross.   Don't expect the huge display of yesteryears

@superwarp1 posted:

Last update from me.  Weather is looking great.  See everyone in front of Ross Switches 1 PM.  Two days to go.

Ross Switches at 1PM on Saturday, or Sunday, or both?  Thanks.

I am glad that the weather will be cooperating.......have fun and safe travels to all!

Peter

I'm not going this year, but just wanted to share that the Big E is my favorite show. IMO, there are plenty of trains in all gauges and it's the best show I've been to for scenery materials and other things to adorn your layout including boats, barges, structures, cars, trucks, etc.

I went boat, barge and dock crazy last time I was there, and as a result this is on my layout:

Arnold

So glad the weather is going to be good.    Maybe even warm enough for shorts!     This time tomorrow, my Son and I will be on the 3 hour road trip to West Springfield.

I'll try to swing by the Ross booth at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.   It all depends on which building I'm in at that time.   

Have fun boys!  I'm staying home to battle a cold.  First one since Covid started...

Jon